Editorial: GIFF at Five

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Hollywood is coming to Greenwich this weekend as the Greenwich International Film Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary. What was born out of a dinner party conversation has become a sought-after film festival, not just for viewers but for up and coming directors and actors.

The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) stands apart from other film festivals because it is more than just showing a series of movies. The mission of GIFF is to use film to inspire change— change in perspective, change in the world and change in our hearts. It marries the worlds of film and philanthropy.

Each year GIFF highlights a different social issue. This is done at their Change Maker Gala. This year, the festival is honoring the Eva Longoria Foundation. Started in 2012, by the actor, the foundation’s mission is to empower Latinas through education and entrepreneurship.

GIFF will also honor Bobby Walker, Jr. of the Boys and Girls Club for “the incredible work he has done to transform lives here in Greenwich,” according to Wendy Stapleton, Chairwomen of the Board of GIFF.

And that brings up another differentiation, GIFF is a female founded and female run film festival. It does not stop there. They actively seek out films written and directed by women and this year; they hope to address stereotyping in entertainment. A lofty goal, but one that we are certain they will reach.

The line-up of 58 films this year is ambitious and thought provoking. From the Blue Sky Studios animation panel, which will be fabulous for children, to films such as Mike Wallace

Is Here, The Map to Paradise, and Brittany Runs A Marathon, to the powerful closing night film Luce; there is literally something for everyone at this year’s Festival.

As Colleen Carroll deVeer, Founder and Director of Programming said, “We want our audience to develop a new sense of awareness about the struggles that people face on a global level and then the impetus to act on it. Film as a medium has the capability to do so much more than simply entertain.” That is not something you will find at other film festivals, but you will find it here in Greenwich. Of course, you will. Here, doing something well is often not enough. It needs to be done well and it needs to serve a higher purpose. This is where Greenwich thrives.

Since its founding, GIFF has held over 350 events, raised over $600,000 for local and national charities and awarded more than $150,000 to filmmakers. When you combine that with the knowledge that most film festivals close within two years, it is a very impressive track record and one that we hope continues into the future.

Running a film festival is no different than running any other business. It needs revenue. Ticket sales only cover so much. Sponsorship dollars are key to creating a successful festival year after year. Ginger Stickler, the COO of GIFF and “master juggler” does an incredible job ensuring sponsor’s needs are met and that the festival has the resources necessary to operate successfully. And she always does it with a smile on her face.

In our community, we benefit from many great organizations and opportunities. Last week it was the Greenwich Town Party bringing us together for a weekend of community. This weekend it is the Greenwich International Film Festival’s opportunity to bring us together. Do not miss your opportunity to see unique, thought-provoking and original movies and documentaries. When else does Hollywood come to Greenwich?

Congratulations to the Greenwich International Film Festival on celebrating their fifth Anniversary. We are proud to be a GIFF partner. Like any good movie they have worked their way into our hearts, and we hope they will remain with us for many years to come. For more information on this festival please visit greenwichfilm.org

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